Sindh reports two more monkeypox cases, tally rises to 98

The Sindh Health Department on Friday reported two more cases of monkeypox, or mpox, taking the provincial tally to 98, as the department stepped up surveillance, contact tracing and patient care following seven new infections in the past week.

It said authorities are tracing and monitoring people who came into contact with infected patients to contain the spread of the virus.

The department also directed public and private healthcare facilities to strictly implement infection prevention and control measures.

Read: Tally hits 95 as two more mpox cases reported in Sindh

Citizens have also been advised to maintain proper hand hygiene and avoid direct contact with rashes, blisters and sores on suspected or confirmed patients. They have been cautioned against sharing personal items used by infected individuals, including towels, clothing and bedding.

People developing unusual rashes or blisters have been urged to seek immediate medical attention and inform their doctors about any contact with a suspected mpox patient.

The health department said mpox was a preventable and treatable public health concern, urging citizens to follow precautionary measures and rely on official sources for verified information rather than spreading unconfirmed reports.

Sindh's mpox outbreak has intensified in recent months, with health authorities reporting a steady rise in infections across the province. Earlier this month, The Express Tribune reported 95 confirmed cases and 11 deaths, highlighting a growing need for stronger surveillance, early diagnosis and contact tracing.

The outbreak has extended beyond imported infections, with cases reported among Karachi residents who had no history of foreign travel. In June, a 26-year-old security guard in Karachi had tested positive, taking the provincial tally to 37 at the time.

Earlier reports also documented infections in Khairpur and Karachi, prompting authorities to establish isolation facilities and strengthen infection-control arrangements in hospitals.

Health experts have warned that delayed diagnosis and stigma can discourage patients from seeking timely medical care, increasing the risk of further transmission. Mpox can spread through close physical contact with an infected person, contact with skin lesions and contaminated personal items.

Symptoms can include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and unusual skin rashes or blisters.

Authorities have consequently emphasised early testing, isolation of confirmed patients, monitoring of close contacts and strict infection-prevention measures in healthcare facilities.